Guard Orientation August 14, 1971 (04:12)

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Dr. Philip Zimbardo explains the purpose of the Stanford Prison Experiment. A corridor with offices was converted into a prison environment. Twenty-four healthy, male college students were chosen to participate.

Day 1 - Stanford Prison Experiment (03:24)

See footage from 1971. Participants describe being arrested and brought to jail cells. One guard said he watched the others at first because he was unsure of how to assert authority over prisoners.

Day 2 - Stanford Prison Experiment (02:48)

A rebellion broke out; prisoners barricaded themselves in the cells and taunted the guards. The guards stripped some of the prisoners naked and removed their beds in retaliation for insubordination. Some prisoners refused special privileges in solidarity.

Day 3 -Stanford Prison Experiment (03:45)

Guards increased control over prisoners. Dr. Zimbardo offered Prisoner 8612 better treatment in exchange for information. He pretended to be crazy to get released.

Day 3 - Stanford Prison Experiment (02:34)

To continue the experiment, staff manipulated prisoners and visitors by making conditions look better than they were. Guards transported prisoners to a secure location because of escape rumors.

Day 4 - Stanford Prison Experiment (06:08)

Guards increased harassment and humiliation. Others were punished when prisoner 819 barricaded himself in his cell. The prisoner broke down when talking to a priest who was there to evaluate conditions.

Day 5 - Stanford Prison Experiment (07:10)

Prisoners displayed three coping techniques. Guards now had complete control. Prisoner 416 was punished for not eating leftovers; "John Wayne" used many techniques to dominate prisoners.

Day 6 - Stanford Prison Experiment (03:40)

The simulation horrified a graduate student. Parents, a priest, and a public defender failed to question the experiment. Dr. Zimbardo decided to end the experiment after six days.

Debriefing - Stanford Prison Experiment (05:34)

Guards and prisoners reflect on their time and actions during the simulation. The experiment had lasting psychological effects on prisoner 416.

Former Prisoner 8612 - Stanford Prison Experiment (03:22)

Prison psychologist Doug Korpi recalls his experience. He explains the impulse of guards to become sadistic and the confusion of being a prisoner.

Reflection- Stanford Prison Experiment (04:19)

The subjects did not experience long-term negative effects. Dr. Zimbardo and a group of undergraduate students discuss the implications of the experiment. Zimbardo acknowledges it was unethical for the study to continue.

Credits: Quiet Rage: The Stanford Prison Experiment (02:14)

Credits: Quiet Rage: The Stanford Prison Experiment